VILNIUS - As more Western countries recognize Palestinian statehood, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has called on world leaders to revive discussions on a two-state solution, recognizing Palestine as a state and Jerusalem as the capital of both Israel and Palestine.
Nauseda said this is the only way to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"There is no alternative but to revitalize a credible political process towards a two-state solution - ensuring that the state of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign, and viable state of Palestine can live side by side in peace, security and mutual recognition, with Jerusalem as the future capital of both states," he told the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday evening Vilnius time.
A majority of European countries now recognize a Palestinian state, following official declarations on Monday by France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta and others. US President Donald Trump, however, described the move by some of Washington's allies as a "reward" to Hamas for "horrible atrocities."
In his speech, Nauseda also called for humanitarian aid blocked by Israel to be allowed into the Gaza Strip, where Israeli forces continue to strike Hamas.
The Lithuanian president added that fighting in Gaza could move closer to an end if Hamas released the remaining hostages.
"To prevent starvation, humanitarian aid must be allowed to reach those in need without obstruction. At the same time, the unconditional release of all remaining Israeli hostages remains a crucial step towards ending hostilities," he told world leaders.
The president said that Lithuania supports mediation efforts by the US, Qatar and Egypt, and condemns any actions that undermine the goal of a "just and lasting" peace in the Middle East.
The war in Gaza was sparked by Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack in southern Israel, which killed 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to official figures.
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